Featured Stories

Central Ohio has a well-deserved reputation as a growing, forward-thinking region with high levels of education and good quality of life. Yet what you may not know is that the region's open, young temperament and startup-friendly environment also make it a great place for women-owned businesses. hiVelocity recently spoke with several thriving female founders about the reasons why.

The growing field of health care information technology promises to improve the efficiency, accuracy and quality of care in the industry. From big data startups to innovative mobile apps, Ohio companies are quickly becoming big players in this game-changing field.

From student business ideas to cutting-edge medical research, The Ohio State University Technology Commercialization Office is revolutionizing how companies are created on campus. Now, thanks to a new partnership with TechColumbus, the TCO promises to bring ideas to market even faster -- and make sure these startups have the resources needed to grow.

Angel investors play a key role in providing funding and technical assistance to startup companies once funds from friends, families and founders have been exhausted and before venture capital becomes a real option. Across Ohio, increasingly vibrant networks of angel investors are closing the gap, thus facilitating the growth of some of the state's most successful new companies.

Whether it is health care, information technology, clean tech or business and consumer products, Cleveland's increased level of startup activity is attracting funding from venture capital firms in Northeast Ohio and beyond. But experts say there's a ways to go before the Silicon Valley comparisons stick.

Whether they are tackling the obesity epidemic, manufacturing new medical devices or growing microorganisms to save patients' lives, Ohio's bioscience companies are on the rise. Investment by Third Frontier along with medical commercialization and workforce development efforts have played a key role in developing the industry and creating good-paying jobs across the state.

hiVelocity is seeking experienced writers to pen original features about innovation and entrepreneurship across Ohio. We're also looking for fresh, new story ideas from all corners of the state. Contact us at feedback@hivelocitymedia.com.

Fifteen years ago, there were almost no student entrepreneurship programs in Ohio's colleges and universities. Today, they're all the rage. Not only do these programs give students real world business skills across an array of disciplines, but they also help to nurture young innovators and grow fresh ideas into companies.

Steve Case recently came to Cleveland to address entrepreneurial leaders from across the country who had gathered for the National Association of Seed and Venture Funds conference. After praising Ohio's innovation economy, he said that the key to creating more jobs in the U.S. is to support entrepreneurs and high-growth companies and argued policy leaders need to do more to spur innovation.

Startup Weekends are intensive, 54-hour events for aspiring entrepreneurs. Fueled by passion, the presence of other innovators and plenty of coffee, would-be founders work in teams to develop their ideas, incorporate feedback from mentors and bring home prizes. Across Ohio, Startup Weekend events are taking hold and creating communities of entrepreneurs -- and even successful companies.

It's never been easier to validate an idea and launch a new company. Yet access to capital remains a critical issue for entrepreneurs. The upcoming National Association of Seed and Venture Funds Conference, to be held in Cleveland from October 15th-17th, will bring together a community of aspiring entrepeneurs and investors to explore ways to advance innovation capital.

Thanks to crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter, entrepreneurs often overlooked by traditional investment sources are securing much-needed capital to launch their startups. In addition to raising cash, these sites are proving invaluable for testing new ideas, developing a customer base, gaining exposure, and launching ideas into a larger marketplace.

Southeast Ohio may be off the beaten track, but it is also home to some of the state's fastest growing companies. Many of these startups are propelled to success by the Ohio University Innovation Center, which offers flexible, ready-to-go office space, mentoring and proximity to a growing roster of creative companies.

Ohio's alternative energy industry is thriving. According to the nonprofit Jumpstart Inc., Ohio ranks # 1 in the nation for renewable and advanced energy, bringing in more renewable energy facility projects than any other state. Yet for Ohio to keep its edge, leaders say, state and federal officials must work together to support the growth of this vital market.